spiderman

What good does drawing 2.9 million people, winning a WS, having more revenue than ever before if Reinsdorf wants to run this team like a mid-market team ? We can't keep every free agent - to expect so would be unrealistic, but I think it's ridiculous to even put themselves in a position to lose your free agents like Williams seems willing to do.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 16, 2007 -> 02:00 PM) They both played 1B much of their career as well. They're shoe-ins. You're right about Thome, I wasn't sure when I said that, but what % of games has Frank Thomas played at 1B ?

QUOTE(Hideaway Lights @ Feb 16, 2007 -> 11:55 AM) There was some doubt in 2003-4, but I think we all now know Thomas is probably a shoe-in to go in as a White Sox whenever he finally gets the call 5 years after he calls it a career. However, which current White Sox (that have spent most of their career with the team) do you think will eventually be hall of famers? I think Buehrle and Konerko are the most obvious choices, but who else? Could Konerko necessarily even make it with 500 homers and a .280 career average? I'd say none - Thome could get in, but being a DH in the AL is going to be held against him.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Feb 16, 2007 -> 11:10 AM) Offensively Anderson was a POS all season. Yes, his splits improved and yes I was one of his biggest defenders but the guy was absolutely horrific at half of the game (the offensive half). There haven't been many rookies I've seen look that bad for that long of a stretch (well at least not ones with all that supposed talent). The guy had completely no clue what he was doing at the plate and even late in the season when his average went up he still looked pretty ugly up there. I agree - he looked overmatched at the plate, and has a long swing. I don't know if he's trying to kill the ball rather than just make contact.

QUOTE(BigSqwert @ Feb 14, 2007 -> 12:46 PM) http://origin.barackobama.com/issues/ His positions are rather generic that I'm sure John McCain could use the same responses. In summary, he wants the world to be a better place, and has several areas that he wants to improve, but I'm sure candidates on the other side of the politiical aisle say the same things.

QUOTE(Alpha Dog @ Feb 2, 2007 -> 01:40 PM) No. It was a Laura Ingrim producer during the republican convention. Here is the website I took the pic from. http://wizbangblog.com/2004/08/31/rnc-gossip-edition.php If that got stuck his finger in my face, I'd rip his head off.

QUOTE(Felix @ Feb 14, 2007 -> 03:37 PM) "If rookie Chris Stewart sticks as a third catcher, Guillen can use Hall and Pierzynski regularly to rest Thome or as pinch hitters." Little does SI know, but Chris Stewart was traded earlier in the offseason to the Rangers. That wouldn't say a whole lot for the White Sox if he was able to make the team despite not even being in the organization!

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Feb 14, 2007 -> 08:38 PM) We have been a "HR or Nothing" team for the last 7 years. Get used to it. If you don't like it, I would sugguest finding a new team, because it seems thats the way the Sox like to be built. I like when the White Sox hit HR's, hopefully they hit lots of them, but they need to be able to manufacture runs as well.

Are the White Sox a better team going into spring training than they were last season ? I say no, but that doesn't mean they can't be right there, and win the division. The White Sox have Gavin Floyd as the 5th starter, and that spot could be another revolving door. The rest of the rotation can be good, but it enters the season with question marks, and something to prove. The Bullpen can be great, but it enters the season as an unknown as well. There are a lot of great arms in there, but not a lot of experience in the majors, but the back end of the bullpen should be strong. Offensively is where my biggest concern is on the team. Kenny did absolutely nothing to improve an offense that became HR or nothing. We don't have a leadoff hitter, and we still don't have a LF, CF, or SS entering the season who we can expect much from offensively. It's not all gloom though - let me repeat. The Bullpen CAN be great, the starters are veterans, and have something to prove this season. Offensively, we have good players, but I question their ability to manufacture runs. I think the season is going to be fun and we will be right there in the stretch run, but this is a tough division so it's tough to predict who's going to win as injuries, mid-season acquistions, etc. will factor in as well.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 14, 2007 -> 12:10 AM) No, I'm honestly just curious as to why you'd think Ozzie would handle Vazquez any different when it's quite apparent that he hasn't and would seemingly have no intentions to. I'm also not sure why everyone lumps Vazquez in with the #5 starter - who has a shot to be one of the worst starting pitchers in the major leagues numbers wise, regardless of who it is - when he was arguably just as good as every other starter in the rotation last year. That's really all. I do think Vazquez will have a good year for the Sox (as in being a top 2 starter for the Sox), but I'm admittedly one of Vazquez's biggest homers (and yes, I used the word homer). However, my expectations are simply a 4.20-4.60 ERA with good peripherals, 210 IP, and about 13-15 wins - which in turn means I expect him to exceed expectations. I don't find that to be too unrealistic. I don't lump Vazquez in with the #5 starter, but he's been up and down, and inconsistent the past few seasons. He clearly comes into the season as a better pitcher than Gavin Floyd. As far as Ozzie's handling of Vazquez, I do believe that he'd prefer to give every benefit of the doubt, but how many times did we see relievers warming up in the bullpen come the 6th inning because Vazquez could implode ? Of course, when he's pitching well, Ozzie's going to stick with him, just as he would with anyone else on the staff, but he has also had to have the bullpen ready earlier than he would like. I don't find your numbers for Vazquez to be crazy at all - in fact, he's capable of putting up big numbers, and next to Contreras, he has the 2nd best stuff on the staff. He just needs to become more consistent. I'm a believer that Mark Buerhle will win 15-18 games, and return to his usual self so if you're right about Vazquez improving upon his numbers, then the White Sox should have a good season.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Feb 13, 2007 -> 08:29 PM) http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6466022 Of White Sox interest: Talk about a difference of opinion...The White Sox think that they have the two best lefty prospects in baseball with Gonzalez being one, and the Phillies, according to Rosenthal, don't think he's much of anything.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 13, 2007 -> 04:39 PM) K, I'm not arguing this anymore because it's obvious you don't understand that Vazquez was better than Buehrle last yaer. Mark Buerhle actually had a solid first half, and was better than Vazquez, but was horrible in the 2nd half, and also outperformed by Vazquez. Anyway you want to slice it, Buehrle is normally a workhorse, and Guillen trusts him to go deep into games. Vazquez can be dominate, but he's not consistent from inning to inning or game to game. For whatever reason, you seem to have the opinion that Vazquez is about to break out and have a big season, and I don't believe he'll be any better than what he's done in the past 3 season's - great in certain games, but overall ERA in the mid/upper 4's. If you think Buehrle will have another bad season, then I understand your argument better, but this is what this board is all about - good discussion, and different opinions.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 13, 2007 -> 01:12 PM) Vazquez completed 6 innings or more in a start 24 times (75%) and pitched into the 6th inning in 30 starts (alot%). I think Ozzie's likely to allow him past the 5th inning, don't you think? And Floyd/Haeger/Danks/whoeverthef*** will likely put up atleast 150 innings, which is perfectly acceptable out of a 5th starter (so long as the ERA is not in the 7.50 range). The bullpen will be used sparingly again because that's the way Ozzie manages. Based on last season, you're probably right, but how many times did we see Ozzie leave Vazquez in the game a bit too long ? I think with what Ozzie feels is a stronger bullpen, he's not going to let Vazquez lose a game, instead he'll the bullpen win the game. With the top 3 starters, I think Ozzie will let them pitch into the 7th inning+ regularly, and because of that, the bullpen will be rested for days when we Vazquez or the 5th starter struggle.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 12, 2007 -> 11:05 PM) and a 3rd starter whose ERA was in the 6.50 range at the end of May, and a 2nd starter who was the worst starter in baseball in the second half of last year, and a 1st starter who is 62. The rotation is questionable up and down. No doubt...but I think Guillen is more likely to allow Contreras, Garland and Buerhle to work through their problems, and you can't go to the bullpen in the 5th inning every game.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Feb 12, 2007 -> 09:23 PM) As of right now, I will be surprised if Sisco is with the big club in 07. Do you think that's Sicso will spend the 07 season being converted to a starter ? QUOTE(southsideirish71 @ Feb 12, 2007 -> 09:22 PM) How many bullpen arms does the team lead by a manager that goes to the bullpen less than anyone in baseball. I'm not sure, but if we have an ineffective or, unproven at least, 5th starter in Floyd, and a 4th starter who can get blown up at any time, I wouldn't be shocked if they went to 12 pitchers. Early in the season, though, with the off-days, it may not be necessary to use 12 pitchers, but once they start playing 6 or 7 days a week, it wouldn't be shocking to me.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 12, 2007 -> 08:17 PM) there was never a chance the Sox went with 12 pitchers 1) Buerhle 2) Contrereas 3) Garland 4) Vazquez 5) Floyd ?? 6) Jenks 7) MacDougal 8) Thorton 9) Masset 10) Aardsma 11) Sisco There's no chance that Charlie Haegar can make the team out of the bullpen ???

Whose roster spot does Perez take ? Could this mean that the White Sox don't go with 12 pitchers ?

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 11, 2007 -> 05:20 PM) You're going to base your judgment of Vazquez on his inability to adjust to a league in 1 year? Wow, so someone isn't perfect in this world. There's a ton of indications that suggest he'll pitch reasonably well next year, and there's really only his head stopping him from becoming a shutdown ace. We'll see. What's more likely - Vazquez to pitch how he has the past several seasons (a 4th starter) or get his head straighted out, and develop into a shutdown ace ? I think we both know what's more likely to happen, but I hope you are right.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 11, 2007 -> 03:00 AM) There isn't s*** that's clear at this point. And...Vazquez easily had the best peripherals last year out of any White Sox starter, so to say he's not good is ignorant. He's pitched one year for the White Sox, and hasn't pitched back to back years in the same league since 2002-2003. Vazquez is an underachiver. Yes, he has good stuff, and any given outing, can shut down an opposing team, but more often than not, he'll pitch good for the first few innings, and then fall apart. As a #4 starter, I'm fine with him, but since his time in Montreal, what has he done to make you think he'll be better than a #4 starter ?

Clearly, Detroit has the best starting rotation in the division - both in young arms and upside. The White Sox COULD have a nice rotation, but there are too many starters in there who are coming off of bad years (Buerhle, and Contreras to some extent) OR who just aren't that good (Vazquez and the 5th starter).

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 9, 2007 -> 04:21 PM) I'd give it a 90% chance Crede is dealt next offseason. Fields is almost ready, and barring a major setback from him (and that's entirely possible), he's the 3Bman for the 2008 Sox. If not, I'd be surprised if a stopgap wasn't brought in. There's too much risk involved with resigning Crede - namely his back - but also his price compared to production. He's likely to get 5/$55, and that's just really not worth it for the Sox. Dye, Iguchi, and Buehrle are my bigger concerns for getting contract extensions. Dye is almost certainly gone, just because he's going to get like 4/$60, and I'm not sure that's entirely worth it, and Iguchi is almost a must to be resigned unless KW can pull off a deal for Orlando Hudson or Michael Young or someone such as that. Buehrle is a hometown favorite and a pretty durable starter, so he may be worth the money dished out, though that's not a certainty either. Having lived in the f'ing Dakotas all my life, I get used to watching 40 games a year on TV. It's just a hassle and a half to drive even 8 hours to Minneapolis to watch a game, let alone drive/fly to Chicago. You make a good argument that the White Sox can justify, for baseball reasons, why we should let Dye, Crede, and Iguchi leave via free agency, but I also think you have a pre-2005 White Sox mentality when we didn't have record crowds, and all these new revenue sources. There's no way we can afford to sign all of our players in this market, and you have to have younger players make their ways into the majors, but I also think it's crazy for Williams to potentially not sign any of our free agents because of the market. The market is what it is, and all teams are playing by it so I'm hoping that Williams/Sox coaches can develop our young talent, and allow us to supplement them with our top veteran players.

Did the White Sox increase the payroll from last season ? It's in the mid-90's with about 7 players undetermined, and am I to assume that the payroll with the full 25 man roster will be in the neighborhood of 97-98 ?

QUOTE(Hatchetman @ Jan 29, 2007 -> 12:14 PM) if he's the long term 3B solution, that would be a dumb idea. Who (Crede or Fields) are you referring to ? Personally, I want Crede signed long-term, but I understand why the White Sox wouldn't do so with the $$$ he'll want, the back issue (potentially), and Fields being a top prosepct.

QUOTE(Steff @ Jan 29, 2007 -> 09:03 AM) H, you were sitting right next to me when it was confirmed that this was not a media creation from the horses father's mouth. The Sox need to keep their mouths shut about s*** that doesn't concern the fans. Financial negotiations are none of our business until they result in the player staying or going. This Sox fan wont tolerate personal s*** being printed in the paper and then the GM needing to apologize for anything. This is the FOURTH year I have commented about Kenny's mouth. He seemed to get the message from yesterday's meeting. I say he forgets before spring training though... The White Sox probably should be more discreet about contract talks, but I don't recall actual numbers being thrown around in the media, just Williams suggesting that this will be Buerhle's last season with the Sox because of the current market. I appreciate that Williams is so outspoken - it obviously puts him in bad situations though from time to time when he is asked repeatedly about those words. QUOTE(Hangar18 @ Jan 29, 2007 -> 09:07 AM) After this weekend, I can clearly see how there is 3 sides to a story ...... KW might be a bit frustrated at discussions with Buehrle on a new contract, but at the same time he has to keep on keeping on, thats his job. I do see that if thinks its going nowhere, lets go ahead and prepare for the post-Buehrle era. I think that's what Williams has been doing all off-season (preparing for the future) by acquiring so many high-end pitching prospects since it appears fairly certain that Buerhle will be gone after this season.

QUOTE(Hangar18 @ Jan 29, 2007 -> 08:57 AM) I can say this for sure .......... after discussing this very topic ............ The media is a bit responsible for making things a bit worse than they might really be .......... HOWEVER, I made sure to point out ........... that the SOX have needed to be a bit more forthcoming not only to the Media, but to the Fans as well. SOX fans wont tolerate being treated as if we dont know whats going on, and unfortuneately only few in the Media here are aware of this fact. Let us come to our conclusions and let the chips fall where they may. This person agreed. I don't blame the media for this at all - they simply reported what Williams has said about Buerhle's free agent status next season. Kenny can try and downplay what he said, blame the media for overhyping it, but he said what he said.